GBR: The Prince and Princess of Wales Shine at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards in Iconic Fashion
Alex Ruint 2026-02-23
LONDON, ENGLAND – On February 22, 2026, the Royal Festival Hall hosted the EE BAFTA Film Awards. William, Prince of Wales, attended the event alongside Princess Catherine. Audiences worldwide admired their stunning fashion choices. The royal couple showcased impeccable taste. They combined tradition with contemporary style flawlessly. Their appearance highlighted modern royal fashion.
Prince William’s Evolution to Modern Royal Power Dressing

Over the years, Prince William transformed his wardrobe noticeably. He moved away from the traditional “English Country” aesthetic of baggy cords and oversized suits. He embraced a polished, daring, contemporary “Royal Power Dressing” style. His look now blends classic tailoring with bold textures and colors. This style makes him stand out on any red carpet. At the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, Prince William showcased this evolution perfectly. He wore a velvet tuxedo jacket that retained a timeless silhouette. The burgundy velvet blazer features rich, luxurious material and a jewel-tone hue. It created a look that felt both regal and approachable.
Blazer Design Details
- The jacket appears in deep burgundy, also called black cherry, warm yet formal.
- Designers chose cotton velvet for its depth, luxurious matte finish, and photo-friendly texture.
- Black silk or grosgrain peak lapels broaden shoulders and add sophisticated texture contrast.
- A single-breasted, one-button closure creates a clean, uncluttered jacket line.
- Silk-covered buttons match the lapels, emphasizing the rich velvet fabric.
Styling Elements
- Prince William paired the jacket with classic accessories and subtle personal touches.
- He wore a traditional black butterfly bow tie, matching the lapel silk perfectly.
- He paired it with a crisp white dress shirt featuring a standard collar.
- He wore his signature Omega Seamaster Professional 300M watch, a gift from Princess Diana.
- He kept a neatly trimmed beard, adding contemporary ruggedness to the formal look.
- His ensemble balances modernity and tradition, showing how royals push style boundaries elegantly.
Princess Catherine’s Romantic-Regal Elegance

Princess Catherine stuns on red carpets with ethereal femininity and structured sophistication. Her style embodies a romantic-regal aesthetic that exudes timeless elegance effortlessly. At the 2026 BAFTAs, Catherine showcased this signature elegance once again. She wore a floor-length Gucci gown, first seen at a 2019 gala. Recycling the gown emphasizes her commitment to sustainable, modern royal fashion. The gown features a delicate, airy design that flows gracefully with every step.
Dress Design Details
- The dress showcases a multi-tonal blush pink, rose, and pale white ombré.
- Sheer pleated tulle and chiffon layers create soft volume and ethereal movement.
- The off-the-shoulder, criss-cross V-neckline highlights the collarbone while remaining modest.
- A dark burgundy velvet belt matches Prince William’s jacket and adds striking texture.
Accessories and Styling
- Princess Catherine complemented her gown with carefully selected accessories.
- She wore Greville Chandelier Earrings, formerly owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
- She paired the earrings with the Queen Mary Choker Bracelet, blending heritage and modern elegance.
- She carried a burgundy velvet clutch, matching the gown’s velvet belt perfectly.
- She styled her hair in soft side-parted curls, departing from structured updos.
- She applied a classic smoky eye and nude lipstick for understated glamour. Her ensemble highlights a masterful interplay of color, texture, and regal poise.
- It further emphasizes her status as a global fashion icon.
The Royal Couple: A Coordinated Fashion Statement
Prince William and Princess Catherine showcase modern royal style at its finest. They coordinate choices in burgundy tones, luxurious fabrics, and balanced silhouettes. William wears a bold velvet tuxedo, while Catherine dons a flowing ombré gown. Their outfits create visual harmony, highlighting each royal’s individual style identity. At the BAFTAs, they demonstrate how traditional elegance blends with contemporary trends. William embodies power-dressing sophistication, and Catherine exudes romantic-regal grace. Together, the couple sets a benchmark for modern, red-carpet-ready royal fashion.
Conclusion
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards showcased fashion through modern royalty’s stylish perspective. Prince William wore a velvet tuxedo, radiating boldness, elegance, and timeless sophistication. Princess Catherine donned a Gucci gown, perfectly balancing contemporary trends with classic elegance. Their ensembles demonstrated how royals embrace modern fashion without losing traditional refinement. The event proved that the Prince and Princess of Wales set trends, not just attend, and that the royal couple’s coat fashion slays. They selected fabrics and accessories that highlighted their sharp understanding of modern style. Royal fashion continues evolving, maintaining iconic heritage while reflecting contemporary influences.